As a Wisconsin homeowner, you can gain peace of mind by investing in a home warranty. It ensures that throughout the hot and cold months, your most-used systems and appliances will have coverage in case they break down due to everyday wear and tear.
Our team gathered the information you need to find the best home warranty in Wisconsin. In this review, we discuss the ins and outs of the best home warranty companies in the Badger State.
Wisconsin’s Top 4 Home Warranty Companies
We compared each provider’s plan offerings, additional coverage options, and sample contracts before selecting our top picks. The highest-rated Wisconsin home warranty companies include the following:
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- AFC Home Club: Best for Customization
- Cinch Home Services: Best Additional Perks
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Wisconsin
Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Home Shield | Best for Comprehensive Coverage | $64–$74 | $100–$125 | Up to 48 hours | B | VISIT SITE | |
Liberty Home Guard | Best Customer Ratings | $49–$60 | $65–$125 | Up to 48 hours | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
AFC Home Club | Best for Customization | $48–$55 | $75–$125 | 24-48 hours | B | VISIT SITE | |
Cinch Home Services | Best Additional Perks | $47–$64 | $100–$150 | 2-24 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
American Home Shield | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best for Comprehensive Coverage |
Monthly Cost | $64–$74 |
Service Fee | $100–$125 |
Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
BBB Rating | B |
Liberty Home Guard | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best Customer Ratings |
Monthly Cost | $49–$60 |
Service Fee | $65–$125 |
Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
BBB Rating | A+ |
AFC Home Club | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best for Customization |
Monthly Cost | $48–$55 |
Service Fee | $75–$125 |
Response Time | 24-48 hours |
BBB Rating | B |
Cinch Home Services | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best Additional Perks |
Monthly Cost | $47–$64 |
Service Fee | $100–$150 |
Response Time | 2-24 hours |
BBB Rating | B |
- Response Time: 48 hours
- State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
- Service Call Fee: $100 and $125
American Home Shield (AHS) offers comprehensive major systems and appliance coverage alongside service call fee flexibility. Additionally, AHS covers unique instances other providers typically don’t, such as rust, corrosion, or sediment damage.
Why We Chose American Home Shield
We rated AHS 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. We consider AHS as the “Best for Comprehensive Coverage” due to its three coverage plans, multiple service fees, and solid industry reputation. We thoroughly read American Home Shield’s sample contract and found it applies a $2,000 limit per covered appliance in its ShieldGold plan. It doubles its coverage cap to $4,000 per covered item in the ShieldPlatinum plan.
AHS plans provide extensive coverage, and even its basic plan, ShieldSilver, covers your HVAC system. Its multiple service call fees allow you to customize your monthly premium to fit your budget.
Pros and Cons
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We called an AHS representative and discovered that ShieldSilver covers built-in systems. The representative noted that AHS imposes a $5,000 coverage cap per covered system. ShieldGold has a $2,000 coverage limit on home appliances and doesn’t include an HVAC tune-up. ShieldPlatinum adds roof-leak coverage, up to $1,000 in code upgrades, an HVAC tune-up, and air filter discounts.
When we used AHS’s quote tool, it allowed us to choose a service call fee of $100 or $125. AHS states that a higher service call fee will result in a lower monthly premium and vice versa. All AHS plans come with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.
While pulling our quote, we discovered that AHS only offers monthly premium options. It doesn’t include an annual premium like other providers on this list. AHS allows you to pull a quote by calling a representative or using its tool.
Here are details on the covered items and monthly costs in each of American Home Shield’s plans:
- ShieldSilver ($29.99–$39.99 per month): Covers home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical
- ShieldGold ($49.99–$59.99 per month): Covers major systems and appliances, such as air conditioning, roof leaks, and plumbing
- ShieldPlatinum ($79.99–$89.99 per month): Covers systems and appliances and includes additional benefits, such as $1,500 for roof-leak repairs
- Optional Add-ons: Electronics, pools/spas, guest units, septic pumps, and well pumps. AHS offers competitively priced add-ons, such as septic pump coverage, for five dollars per month.
You can review the American Home Shield’s sample contract for exact coverage details.
What To Expect
We found it easy to pull a quote from American Home Shield’s quote tool. You must enter your ZIP code, home address, and email. Then it generates your personalized quote. It allows you to choose your service call fee option, which adjusts your premium based on the higher or lower service call fee.
AHS stands out from other providers for its coverage of rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. It also covers improperly installed or maintained items, plus items with preexisting conditions. Most providers exclude items with these conditions from coverage.
Like most providers in this article, AHS requires you to use an in-network service provider when requesting service. One of our team members owns an AHS plan and tested its claims process. When he filed a claim for a leaking bathroom pipe, AHS found a local plumbing technician within an hour. He scheduled an appointment for the next day, and the plumber fixed his issue on that visit. He only paid his service call fee for the repair.
AHS holds solid customer reviews, despite mixed feelings about its customer service. Based on the dozens of BBB customer reviews we read, some reviewers experienced lower-than-expected claims reimbursement. Others had their claims processed quickly and satisfactorily.
- Response Time: 48 hours
- State Availability: 50 states
- Service Call Fee: $65–$125
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers three coverage plans, a 60-day workmanship guarantee, and more than 30 add-ons. LHG also provides accessible customer service via its live-chat feature on its website.
Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our rating system. It is the best customer-rated home warranty provider on this list, in part due to its A+ rating* with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Our team spoke with multiple customer representatives to consider how well LHG handles customer inquiries. Based on our experiences, we believe it holds up to its stellar ratings, with each representative answering the phone quickly and answering all our questions thoroughly.
Pros and Cons
Plans and Pricing
Liberty Home Guard offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Unlike providers with a flexible service call fee, LHG assigns a service call fee to your account based on your plan, add-on selections, and location. According to the representative we spoke with, service fees range from $65 to $125. All LHG’s covered items are subject to a $2,000 coverage cap and a 60-day workmanship guarantee.
Below are the monthly prices for an LHG plan. Expect to pay between $600 and $720 annually. Per our research, LHG offers two additional months of coverage if you sign up for an annual plan. LHG allows you to pull a quote over the phone or online.
Here are details on LHG’s plans and optional add-on coverage:
- Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers
- Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, ductwork, and water heater
- Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Covers all the items in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans
- Optional Add-ons: Up to 38 options, including pest control, rekey service, gutter cleaning, floor cleaning, and generator coverage. When we pulled our quote, we were informed that pest control coverage costs an extra $15 monthly.
Liberty Home Guard’s service contract provides additional coverage information for each plan.
What To Expect
Pulling a quote from Liberty Home Guard is straightforward. First, you fill out basic personal information such as your name, phone number, and email. Then, you input your home’s address, type, and whether it is under or over 5,000 square feet. LHG will then display your home’s customized monthly premium.
We believe Liberty Home Guard offers solid coverage for the price. Its $2,000 coverage cap applies to all covered items except electrical and plumbing systems. In addition, it offers the most add-on coverage options compared to other providers. This makes LHG a great choice if you have unique items that need coverage.
Note that LHG doesn’t allow you to choose your service provider since it works with its network of technicians. However, if LHG can’t source a technician from its network near you, it allows you to source your own.
In reading customer reviews, we found that consumers’ experiences aligned with our experience contacting LHG’s customer service. Many reviewers noted the helpfulness of representatives and how quickly they resolved issues. We experienced this responsiveness each time we called or used its live-chat feature.
- Response Time: 24 business hours
- State Availability: 49 states (excluding Hawaii)
- Service Call Fee: $75, $100, and $125
America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) made it onto our list thanks to its customization options for add-ons and its four distinct plans. In addition, AFC Home Club offers service call fee flexibility, which can raise or lower your monthly premium.
Why We Chose AFC Home Club
AFC Home Club earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating in our review standards. Along with its flexible service call fee model, the variety of plans offered by AFC Home Club is ideal for homeowners who want a personalized home warranty package and pricing. AFC Home Club also offers a lengthy workmanship guarantee and additional membership perks. Other providers don’t include membership perks within their plans.
Pros and Cons
Plans and Pricing
AFC Home Club offers a portfolio of four plan options: a Platinum Plan,
a Gold Plan, a Silver Plan, and a Systems Plan. AFC Home Club allows you to choose from a $75, $100, and $125 service call fee. The lower service call fee raises your monthly premium and vice versa.
Our team called AFC Home Club to ask about its coverage caps. A representative stated that its HVAC systems, such as heating and air conditioning, have an unlimited coverage cap, except for thermostats. It limits thermostats to $80.
The representative added it covers up to $3,000 for appliances. However, AFC’s fine print states it pays up to the value of an item’s depreciated value if it’s older than five years. It covers all repairs and replacements with a plan-length workmanship guarantee.
AFC Home Club offers annual premiums alongside monthly premiums. Expect to pay between $398 and $630 annually for AFC Home Club coverage. The company includes a $50 annual discount if you choose a yearly payment plan. You can pull a quote using its online tool or call a sales representative.
Here are details on each plan offered by AFC Home Club:
- Silver Plan ($38.00–$42.83 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes washer, clothes dryer, garbage disposal, and dishwasher
- Systems Plan ($45.25–$50.08 per month): Covers systems, such as air conditioning, heating, water heaters, and plumbing
- Gold Plan ($52.50–$57.33 per month): Covers both appliances and systems, such as electrical, ductwork, oven, range, plumbing stoppages, and garage-door openers
- Platinum Plan ($57.33–$62.17 per month): Covers all items and systems included with the Gold Plan, plus a built-in microwave and ice maker
- Optional Add-ons: Double oven, electronic coverage, hot water dispenser, sump pump, septic system, central vacuum, pool, spa, stand-alone freezer, and roof-leak repair. Based on the quote we pulled, in-ground pool coverage costs $9 per month.
AFC Home Club’s fine print gives more details if you want to learn more.
What To Expect
AFC Home Club provides an easy-to-use quote tool. Where it differs from most providers, however, is its cost page. Unlike other providers, AFC Home Club requires clicking on each plan to select your desired service call fee. If you wish to compare the prices of the other plans, you must click on the “Back To Plans” button. Although obtaining a quote is straightforward, comparing plan prices isn’t as efficient as other providers.
We consider AFC Home Club’s unlimited workmanship guarantee its best feature. The peace of mind it provides makes it a solid choice for those with older appliances or systems in their homes. Additionally, AFC Home Club is one of the few providers that allows you to choose your contractor. However, its mixed coverage limits for home systems lower its value from a coverage standpoint.
Our team read dozens of customer reviews to understand how AFC Home Club handles customer service. We found mixed reviews. Several customers appreciated AFC Home Club’s speedy claims processing. Others disliked the depreciation valuation AFC does on covered items.
- Response Time: 2 business hours or 24 hours outside business hours
- State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
- Service Call Fee: $100, $125, and $150
Cinch Home Services (CHS) is another provider that offers comprehensive appliance and systems coverage. The company includes a generous annual coverage cap. It also covers up to 28 home systems and appliances
Why We Chose Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services scored 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Cinch offers several perks, such as its lengthy 180-day workmanship on completed repairs. Based on our research, the industry standard for workmanship guarantees is 30 days. It also offers a unique $500 home insurance deductible reimbursement that comes with the Complete Home Plan. We recommend this provider to homeowners who want to get the most out of their plan with a lengthy re-servicing guarantee.
Pros and Cons
Plans and Pricing
Cinch Home Services offers three plans: the Appliances Plan, Built-In Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch also offers a flexible service call fee model, and its options for service fees are $100, $125, and $150. Upon reading Cinch’s fine print, we found the company sets its coverage caps at $1,500 for central air conditioning and $1,000 for plumbing systems. When you file a claim, Cinch subtracts these amounts from the policy’s annual coverage limit.
Like American Home Shield, Cinch Home Services doesn’t offer an annual premium option. However, it allows you to request a quote online or over the phone.
Here are more details about Cinch Home Services’ plans:
- Appliances Plan ($38.99–$48.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes dryer, washer, built-in food center, freestanding ice maker, microwave, and refrigerator
- Built-In Systems ($43.99–$55.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as water heater, air conditioner, built-in trash compactor, smoke detector, and jetted tub
- Complete Home ($54.99–$66.99 per month): Covers all the items in the earlier plans, plus up to $500 per term for a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
- Optional Add-ons ($4.58 to $22 depending on the item): Pools, spas, pools with spas (heater included), septic tanks, well pumps, and a Premier Upgrade Package (increases limits up to $1,000 to help pay for unforeseen costs during a claim, such as debris removal or code upgrades)
Check out the company’s sample contract to access the complete coverage terms and conditions.
What To Expect
We found Cinch’s quote tool the easiest and quickest to generate a custom quote. You enter your ZIP code and email, then Cinch displays each plan’s monthly cost. In addition, Cinch makes it simple to choose your service call fee by displaying its three fee options directly above the plan information. It automatically adjusts each plan’s monthly premium based on your selected service call fee.
Cinch Home Service’s additional perks make it a worthwhile provider. Most home warranty companies don’t offer credits for maintenance items or reimbursement for your homeowners insurance deductible. It provides solid systems and appliance coverage. However, Cinch offers a limited amount of add-ons and excludes roof-leak coverage. Most providers offer some form of roof protection coverage.
Cinch Home Services also holds mixed customer reviews due to its high service call and monthly fees. Some customers disliked the quality of contractors it used for service requests, while others appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly sales team. Regarding service technicians, Cinch requires you to use in-network technicians. When we called to ask if it allows out-of-network contractors, a representative stated it does. However, you must contact Cinch beforehand.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) oversees the regulation of property service contracts. While it doesn’t clearly label home warranties as property service contracts, the DATCP still provides consumer protection via an online complaint form. You can submit a complaint with the DATCP if you believe your home warranty company is neglecting its contractual obligations.
Industry organizations also oversee home warranty regulations. A prominent example is the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). This trade association primarily handles regulation development. Another industry association is the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). The NHSCA ensures member companies follow a code of ethics centered on fair business practices.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Wisconsin?
Our research shows that the average home warranty cost in Wisconsin is $62 monthly and $744 annually. The price of a home warranty depends on several factors. The main ones affecting price are your plan premium and service call fee. Typically, companies charge a higher premium for coverage plans containing more items. Adjustable service call fees also affect coverage plan prices. Based on the hundreds of quotes our team has requested from more than 20 home warranty companies, we’ve found companies pair higher service fees with lower premiums.
How Do Home Warranties Work?
A home warranty is a service contract designed to cover appliance and system breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. Here is how most home warranty companies typically operate:
- Call or file a claim online with your provider immediately after noticing your covered item has broken down. Many home warranties have a clause in their sample contracts requiring you to file a claim as soon as you discover a malfunction.
- Your company receives and processes your claim. Afterward, it sends a service provider to your home. This process typically takes 24 to 48 hours during normal business hours.
- The service technician diagnoses the issue and determines whether your broken item needs repair or replacement. Some providers have you pay your service fee directly to the technician, while others charge you before sending them over.
- If you have a minor repair, the service technician will fix your issue in one visit. Your provider will schedule a follow-up visit if it’s more complex or requires ordered parts.
Do Home Warranties Cover Older Appliances?
Most home service contracts don’t deny coverage based on the age of a home or its appliances. Companies such as Liberty Home Guard will cover repairs and replacement costs no matter how old the systems or appliances are.
Each home warranty company offers plans with similar advantages, but some stand out for unique benefits. This comparison chart reviews the similarities and differences between Wisconsin’s three best home warranty companies.
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
Our team sourced various experts to answer common questions about home warranties. Here is what they had to say:
- Are home warranties trustworthy? Gary Parker, a licensed Realtor, suggests the following: “Check if the company is licensed and belongs to professional organizations or associations that uphold ethical standards.” Companies that are part of organizations that enforce fair business practices are considered more trustworthy.
- How do I select the right Wisconsin home warranty company? Patrick Grayson, a real-estate expert associated with Paramount Property Buyers, emphasizes the importance of verifying a provider offers multiple plans. “When shopping for a home warranty, consider the coverage that each company offers and make sure it fits your needs.” He continues, “Some companies may offer more coverage than others, so make sure to compare all your options.”
- What should I ask before purchasing a Wisconsin home warranty? Daniel Cabrera, founder of Sell Your House Fast, recommends asking the following: “What are the limits and exclusions when buying a home warranty?” He adds, “Homeowners should understand what specific items, parts, or situations the company excludes from the warranty.”
Our Conclusion
American Home Shield, Liberty Home Guard, and AFC Home Club offer the best home warranties to Wisconsin homeowners. Although we identified American Home Shield as the best overall provider based on various factors, we recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to see how much plans cost for you and your home. We also suggest reading their service contracts to understand exact terms, exclusions and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The home warranty that’s best for you covers the systems and appliances most important to you. Some home warranty providers leave out key appliances or systems in their basic plans, including air conditioning or plumbing stoppages, so pay attention to each plan’s coverage before signing a contract.
If you’re looking for maximum coverage based on the companies reviewed, American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan offers the most comprehensive coverage for appliances and systems.
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major U.S. city below.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.